Pond Dipping
Getting Started
We spent a morning last week at a pond dipping workshop, run by a team from the Lower Windrush Valley Project. The skies were clear, and the water calm. Perfect for exploring life in the pond.
After a safety briefing, we got started. All equipment was provided, including a tray, nets, magnifier, spoon, and pipette. Having filled our tray with water, we began sifting from the main lake with a net, then emptied the contents into the collection tray. It took a couple of moments for the water to settle. And then the movement became apparent.
What We Found
The diving beetles were first. The ones we saw most of were from the predaceous group. It was fascinating to watch them spiralling up and down. With no gills, the beetles need another means of oxygen provision underwater. We could see clearly the shiny air bubble each carried beneath its body. Topped up when they surfaced, the beetles – in effect – held a small oxygen tank as they swam.
Then the nymphs. Mayfly nymphs were regular captures in each of our sweeps. With their gills presenting as feathered fronds along the main abdomen, they really were attractive. We found a number of damselfly nymphs too, whose gills form a three pronged tail at the end of the body.
Hog lice were plentiful. Scuttling rather than swimming, these woodlouse-like water creatures feed on detritus, such as decaying plant matter. We also found some beautiful examples of ram’s horn and amber pond snails. There were leeches (not the rare, blood sucking ones), which were fascinating to watch. With suckers at either end, they moved like underwater looper caterpillars. We even found a frog, which was released safely back to the reeds.
Having spent the morning nature watching and investigating, all water and inhabitants were returned carefully to the main pond, and equipment checked to be sure there were no stragglers. It was a very well spent, interesting session, and certainly something we would do again. Details of the reserves and the lakes can be found here.
